Pepperoni pizza with fresh basil and melted mozzarella on a rustic baking tray, Italian restaurant food photography at Made in Italy London

Pappardelle pasta with slow-cooked ragu and parmesan being twirled on a fork at Figurati Italian restaurant Southampton, food photography

Fresh oysters on ice with a bottle of Tabasco sauce and red shallot vinegar dipping sauce at Soleto, seafood food photography Southampton

Two crushed ice cocktails with lemon, mint and dried orange garnish on a dark table at Figurati Italian restaurant Southampton, drink photography

Stacked Belgian waffles with blueberries, berry compote and a quenelle of cream at Room2 cafe, brunch menu food photography Southampton

Server in a Mettricks apron presenting poached eggs with avocado, roasted tomatoes and pickled red onion on toast at Mettricks Portswood Southampton, commercial restaurant food photography

Beef ramen with soft-boiled egg, tenderstem broccoli and narutomaki in a rich broth at Konjiki Kensington London, Japanese food photography

Pink raspberry lemonade cocktails with fresh mint and lemon garnish in geometric glasses, drink photography Southampton

Full English breakfast with black pudding, hash brown, grilled tomato, bacon, baked beans, toast and orange juice at Mortimer Arms Southampton, breakfast food photography

Close-up macro shot of a loaded bacon cheeseburger with melted cheese, pickles and lettuce on a brioche bun, street food burger photography

Japanese sushi and sashimi spread with nigiri, maki rolls, ramen and gyoza on a white background at Konjiki Kensington London, menu food photography

Pappardelle ragu being lifted on a fork with red wine glass in the background at Figurati Italian restaurant Southampton, lifestyle food photography

Aperol spritz and mojito cocktails on an outdoor terrace table at Figurati Italian restaurant Southampton, summer drink photography

Chocolate profiteroles drizzled with dark chocolate sauce and dusted with icing sugar on a dark moody background, artisan dessert patisserie food photography

Bottle of E'sVINO Torrontes white wine with a glass on a bar counter with warm bokeh lighting at Porters Southampton, wine and drinks product photography Southampton

Burrata with heritage tomatoes and basil leaf in tomato sauce on a floral-patterned china plate at Alba Knightsbridge, Italian food photography London

Hand placing a golden flaky French croissant onto a white plate in natural light, bakery cafe brunch food photography Southampton

Colourful cocktail flatlay with shots, beer, mixed drinks, citrus garnishes and bar tools on a round wooden table, bar drinks menu photography Southampton

Prawn linguine in a creamy sauce with whole grilled prawns at Figurati Italian restaurant Southampton, pasta food photography

Charcoal-grilled chicken skewer with micro herbs on a white ridged plate served on white metro tiles at The Mantl Knightsbridge, Turkish food photography London

British Sunday roast with sliced beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast parsnips, carrots, broccoli and rich gravy at Ocean Grill, pub restaurant food photography Southampton

Indian thali sharing platter with curries, naan bread, spring rolls, rice, chutneys and pav buns at Padharo restaurant Southampton, Indian food photography

Bellini cocktail and espresso martini with edible flowers alongside olives and focaccia at Figurati Italian restaurant Southampton, food and drink photography

Hand dipping toast into poached eggs with roasted cherry tomatoes and chilli oil in natural light at Room2 cafe, brunch breakfast food photography Southampton

Guests sharing Indian curry dishes with biryani, naan and tandoori items at a restaurant table at Mint Dosa Southampton, candid dining experience food photography

Grilled aubergine with chickpeas, rocket and caesar salad with parmesan at Figurati Italian restaurant Southampton, food photography

Jameson Irish whiskey bottle with a man holding a glass on the rocks at Shenanigans pub with green neon lighting, whiskey drink photography Southampton

Close-up of chargrilled Brazilian churrasco beef on a skewer with crispy charred edges at Casa Brasil, Brazilian steakhouse food photography Southampton

Double smash burger with melted cheese and peppers on a sesame bun on a wooden board at Barga Eastleigh, burger food photography

Pistachio-crusted lamb cutlets with asparagus, cauliflower puree, pomegranate seeds and balsamic reduction on a dark plate at The Mantl Knightsbridge, Turkish food photography London

Japanese gyudon beef bowl with soft-boiled egg, edamame, rice, teriyaki aubergine and kimchi at Roppongi restaurant, Japanese food photography Southampton

Hand holding a bubble tea with tapioca pearls and a bamboo straw at Mettricks cafe Southampton, drink photography

Double-stacked grilled chicken burger with melted cheese, red onion and lettuce on a brioche bun against a dark background, street food photography

Crispy fried chicken strips with herbs and mustard dipping sauce on a black plate at Barga Eastleigh, food photography

Hand holding a crushed ice cocktail with lemon and mint garnish beside a second cocktail with dried orange at Figurati Italian restaurant Southampton, drink photography

Fried egg on a breakfast hash with chorizo, potatoes and avocado sauce in a rustic bowl at Mettricks Portswood Southampton, brunch food photography

Frozen strawberry daiquiri and pina colada cocktails with fresh strawberries and lemon on a marble counter, cocktail drink photography Southampton

Brunch spread with a guacamole and roasted pepper brioche burger, soft-boiled eggs in egg cups with toast soldiers and coffee at Room2 cafe, food photography Southampton

Espresso martini cocktail in a coupe glass with the red Grumpy Monkey neon sign at Grumpy Monkey bar Southampton, cocktail photography

Crispy battered prawns with chilli, fried dumplings and fried chicken at Mango restaurant Southampton, Asian food photography

Pancake stacks with fried eggs, crispy bacon and baked beans in an enamel cup with a pink milkshake at Stakks pancake house, brunch food photography

Loaded waffle with banana slices, strawberries, Oreo pieces and chocolate drizzle at Barga Eastleigh, dessert food photography

Overhead flat-lay of Indian curries, biryani, kebabs, naan, pav buns and sides at Padharo restaurant Southampton, Indian food photography

De Wetshof Bon Vallon Chardonnay wine bottle and glass on a bar counter with warm bokeh lighting at Porters Southampton, wine photography

Italian summer menu spread with prawn linguine, caesar salad, bruschetta and grilled aubergine at Figurati restaurant Southampton, food photography

Rustic focaccia bread with fresh rosemary sprigs on a metal tray with olive oil and natural window light at Ennios Italian restaurant, food photography

Japanese salmon sashimi, salmon nigiri and torched nigiri on bamboo leaves and wooden boards at Sakura Portsmouth, Japanese food photography

Overhead shot of a Korean and Asian fusion food spread with poke bowls, fried chicken, sliders, onion rings and fries, Asian restaurant food photography Southampton

Cookie dough freakshake in a mason jar with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and chocolate chip cookies at Sprinkles dessert shop, dessert photography

Mac and cheese in a bowl with garlic bread on a wooden board at Barga Eastleigh, comfort food photography

Malfy Con Limone gin bottle with a gin and tonic in a wine glass garnished with lemon and mint at Padharo restaurant Southampton, drink photography

Bartender garnishing a tropical cocktail with mint and a paper straw in a hurricane glass at The Mantl Knightsbridge, cocktail photography London

Orange cocktail in a nick and nora glass with a small herb garnish on a wooden bar with moody lighting at Mango restaurant Southampton, cocktail photography

Passionfruit cocktail in a martini glass with mint garnish on a copper table at Banana Wharf Ocean Village Southampton, drink photography

Lamb cutlets with dauphinoise potatoes, baby carrots and red wine jus with olives and red wine in the background, fine dining food photography Southampton

Two women laughing and toasting white wine over Italian dishes at Figurati restaurant Southampton, lifestyle dining photography

Diner twirling spaghetti carbonara with a bread basket in the foreground at an Italian restaurant, candid food photography Southampton

Close-up of braised pork belly chashu with a soft-boiled ramen egg, wilted greens and crispy enoki in a creamy broth at Sakura Japanese restaurant, food photography

Overhead view of a sliced medium-rare T-bone steak on a dark platter with mixed leaf salad and peppercorn sauce at Porters Southampton, restaurant food photography

Hand holding colourful gelato scoops in blue, yellow and chocolate in a waffle cone against a white wall at Sprinkles ice cream shop, dessert photography

Sunday roast with sliced beef, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and gravy jug on a grey plate at Banana Wharf Southampton, food photography

Hand reaching for a golden croissant alongside chocolate chip cookies and milk in a woven basket tray at Room2 cafe Southampton, bakery food photography

Latte with latte art in a glass tumbler on a wooden table with the Mettricks menu at Mettricks Portswood cafe Southampton, coffee photography

Negroni style cocktail in a rocks glass with ice and a dried orange garnish alongside a fresh halved orange at Mango restaurant Southampton, cocktail photography

Fried chicken and waffles with a passion fruit martini cocktail at Porters Southampton, restaurant food photography

Young boy eating garlic bread with a cheese pizza at Figurati Italian restaurant Southampton, family dining lifestyle photography

Blue cocktail in a gold-rimmed coupe glass with rosemary garnish and lemon in natural sunlight at Mettricks cafe Southampton, drink photography

Bartender presenting a bottle of Sophenia Malbec red wine to a guest holding a glass at Porters bar Southampton, restaurant and hospitality drink photography

Flaming golden sour cocktail with egg white foam and a torched orange garnish in a coupe glass on a wooden table at Mango restaurant Southampton, cocktail photography

Close-up of crepe strips topped with fresh strawberry slices and drizzled with milk chocolate at Sprinkles dessert shop, dessert food photography

Scotch eggs halved to show soft-boiled centre with curry mayo dipping sauce, lemon wedge and fresh parsley on branded Mayfair Chippy greaseproof paper, food photography London

Stacked double smash burger with melted cheese and bacon on a pretzel bun on a wooden board with warm moody lighting, street food photography

Smoky cocktail with a cinnamon stick garnish in a crystal cut rocks glass on a wooden bar with greenery at Kesarum restaurant Southampton, cocktail photography

Tiered seafood platter with whole lobster, prawns and oysters on ice with mussels and clams on the upper tier at Ocean Grill restaurant, seafood food photography Southampton

Food & Drink Photography in Southampton

I'm Ryan Stanikk, a food and drink photographer based in Southampton, and my aim is always twofold: to make the viewer instantly hungry, and to capture the atmosphere that the restaurant or brand wants to project. My background in design means I pay close attention to colour accuracy, layout, and balance within the frame, ensuring every shot feels intentional and true to the dish. At the same time, I adapt to the style of each client - whether that's bright and fresh for a modern cafe, dark and moody for a cocktail bar, or refined and elegant for fine dining. It's not just about showing what's on the plate, but creating an image that reflects the experience of sitting down to enjoy it.

Restaurant & Hospitality Clients

I work with independent restaurants, bars, cafes, hospitality groups and food brands across Southampton, Hampshire and the wider UK. Previous clients include Padharo, Kesarum, Porters, Room2, Mettricks, Ocean Grill, Sakura, Sprinkles and more. Work ranges from full menu relaunches and social media content days to new product shots for delivery platforms and hospitality brand campaigns. If you need ongoing content across a season or a one-off set of hero images, I can structure the day around your team and kitchen schedule to keep everything running efficiently.

What You Get

Every shoot is delivered in colour-managed files ready for web, print or social. I can work alongside your stylist and kitchen team or handle the full setup from start to finish. If you also need product photography for packaging or brand materials, or wider commercial photography for your business, I cover those too. Have a look at the FAQs for common questions, or get in touch to talk about your next shoot.

Get a Quote

Common Questions About Food Photography

How much does food photography cost in Southampton?

A two-hour food photography session starts from £220, with half-day and full-day options available for larger menu shoots or multi-location work. Use the quote calculator for a quick estimate based on your brief.

Do I need to hire a food stylist?

Not necessarily. I can work with your kitchen team and handle the setup myself for most restaurant and cafe shoots. For advertising campaigns or packaging work where every detail needs to be controlled, a dedicated stylist can be worth it, and I'm happy to recommend one.

How long does a food photoshoot take?

It depends on the number of dishes and the complexity of the setup. A focused session covering 8-12 dishes typically takes around half a day. For a full menu relaunch or multi-area venue shoot (food, interiors, exteriors), a full day is usually the best approach.